232 VEGETABLE GROWING. 



inches apart, to make one row, or if the seed is sown 

 by hand, make a drill about five inches wide and 

 scatter the seed along this. Cover the seed from a 

 half to an inch deep, depending on the soil and 

 moisture. 



Soon after the seedlings are up, there is a consider- 

 able period during which they make no apparent pro- 

 gress, especially if the weather is unfavorable. If the 

 temperature is at the freezing point, it is well not to 

 force the plantlets ; but during warm weather an appli- 

 cation of liquid manure or a solution of nitrate of 

 soda will hasten them over this condition. 



Cultivating should all be done with a wheel- hoe or 

 a horse ; avoid using a hand hoe it is slow and expen- 

 sive. The soil should be kept loose, so the fleshy 

 roots can form in the ground. As the tap root goes 

 down straight and deep, there is no danger of disturb 

 ing it while cultivating. 



It is usually unprofitable to transpant this crop for 

 the market ; hence, do not practice it, except when you 

 know the product will sell well, or for home use. 



FIG. 33. 

 MARKETING. 



Beets may be marketed as soon as they are two or 



